Tag: Scott McKibbin

Dunmurry YM 2 v 2 Ballynahinch United

United completed their away league programme on Saturday with an excellent draw against the second placed team Dunmurry YM.

The visitors started reasonably well and their early endeavour was rewarded with an excellent goal from Stuart McMullan. Things went a bit backward after this with Dunmurry YM dominating play with a strong breeze behind them and they equalised midway through the half and took the lead before half time from the penalty spot after Jay Smyth had pulled a forward back.

In the second half United had the majority of the play and they got an equaliser from Scott McKibbin who took a great pass from Ian Boal to thunder the ball into the net.

In the closing minutes Ian McMullan almost gave United all three points as he did the previous week but his shot just sailed over the crossbar.

This was a great performance by United with everyone making a contribution and particularly McCauley Foster who stepped into the shoes of the ever present Ross Hayes at the centre of the defence in partnership with Scott Brashaw.

Sirocco Works 1 v 2 Ballynahinch United

United travelled to the Billy Neill Playing Fields, Dundonald last Saturday for this league fixture against Sirocco Works. In addition to long term absentees JJ Carlisle, Craig Bowman and Alan Patterson also missing were Steven Kennedy and Johnny Hunter so in came Ian Boal, Scott McKibbin and Greg Allison.

Things started very badly for the visitors when they were caught cold by Sirocco in the first minute when they scored after some rather slack play. United rallied with the help of some excellent defending from Boal, Hayes, Foster and Herron and safe handling from Brian McMullan to get into the game. Stuart McMullan got United right back into the game on the stroke of half time when he scored to make it 1-1.

In the second half United were a much different proposition and prompted on by Scott Brashaw players such as Jay Smyth, David Kelly, Aaron Cheevers, Scott McKibbin and Ian Boal all played a major role in ensuring that all three points came back to the Millbridge thanks to a last minute winner from Ian McMullan.

This week United travel to Dunmurry YM for their final away game of the season before they finish with two home games against Lisburn Rangers [20th April] and Immaculata [4th May].

Ballywalter Rec IIs 3 v 3 Ballynahinch United IIs

The Swifts recommenced their programme of league fixtures at Ballywalter on Saturday which will be intensive as they clear up a backlog due to a considerable number of postponements.

The home side started brightly with Jason Stafford having to field a few long crosses and shots however it was the Swifts who took an early lead when Scott McKibbin nipped in to toe poke a loose ball into the net. He and strike partner Darren Fitzsimmons were causing mayhem with their darting runs onto passes from midfielders Gareth Bingham and Ian Boal.

Midway through the first half Scott McKibbin got his second and the Swifts looked as if they were on their way to a victory. Indeed this looked even more likely when the Ballywalter central defender was dismissed for an unprovoked punch into the face of Scott McKibbin for which he duly received a red card.

In the second half Ballywalter threw everything at the Swifts and their defence of Paul and Steven King, Davy Dunlop and Craig McMullan had to be on their toes however the team conceded two goals in the 60th and 75th minute and things looked ominous.

Despite the waves of attack from the home team the Swifts were a constant threat from the runs of Greg Allison who had an excellent game and the introduction of teenager Graham McMullan also proved an excellent move.

The long throws of Paul King were a useful weapon throughout and it was from one of these that Ian Boal scored when he thundered a header into the net in the 88th minute. This was a lead that the Swifts could not sustain as an over eager tackle from Steven King gave Ballywalter a penalty from which they scored.

While it was disappointing not to get all three points manager Johnny Reid will be pleased with the teams overall performance.